UOSM2018 Understanding Modern China

Module Overview

After 30years of breakneck economic development, China is now the 2nd largest economy in the world and is predicted to catch up with the United States within 10 years. Is China's growth sustainable? What has been the impact of economic growth on Chinese society? What are China's foreign policy objectives? This module will introduce you to key aspects of Chinese economy, culture and society and provide opportunities for exploring and analysing contemporary issues including those arising from China's ascendancy as a world power.

Module Details

Semester:

Semester 2

CATS points:

15

ECTS points:

7.5

Level:

Level 5

Module Lead:

Monique Chu

Aims and Objectives

Module Aims

To help students understand the economic, social, and
political evolution of the People's Republic of China (PRC) since 1949. The module will introduce students to key issues, events and scholarly debates pertaining to the evolution of modern China in
order to develop their critical understanding of the country as a rising power within the international system.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

key issues and events pertaining to the economic, social and political evolution of China from an interdisciplinary perspective

different strands of theories and analytical frameworks used to analyse pertinent issues

policy challenges faced by contemporary China

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

demonstrate analytical thinking skills through the interpretation of evidence, identification and evaluation of points of view, and the formulation of warranted, non-fallacious conclusions

demonstrate that you can communicate effectively orally and in written forms

Syllabus

The PRC is currently the world’s second largest economy, represents about one quarter of the world’s population, and is a nuclear power with a huge military establishment. This course is designed to examine contemporary China since 1949 from an interdisciplinary perspective, focusing on four themes, namely, economy, society, politics and international relations. The syllabus will outline the key units of the module, the objectives of the course and learning outcomes, reading materials for each of the units, media and electronic resources, teaching and learning methods, methods of assessment, as well as feedback to students and feedback from students. The proposed structure of the module is as follows:
1. Introduction
2. Chinese economy, pre-1978
3. Chinese economy during the reform era
4. Chinese political thoughts in the 20th century
5. The Chinese Communist Party
6. Media
7. Migration
8. Demography
9. Ethnic relations
10. Human rights
11. The rise of China in global perspective
12. Sino-US relations.

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

The principal teaching methods will include a weekly two-hour lecture that involves the effective use of multi-media materials (such as documentaries) and encourages student in-class participation
through debates and role plays.
The learning methods will include:
• Critical reading of assigned texts;
• In-class debates;
• Written assignments.

Type

Hours

Teaching

24

Independent Study

126

Total study time

150

Resources & Reading list

Rana Mitter (2008). Modern China: A Very Short Introduction.

Barry Naughton (2007). The Chinese Economy: transitions and growth.

Tony Saich (2011). Governance and Politics of China.

Assessment

Assessment Strategy

Assessment will be comprised of two assignments using different methods.
During the first part of the semester students will be required to write a 1500 word essay on a given topic related to one of the areas of study covered in weeks 1-5.
The second assignment covering a choice of topics scheduled from week 6 onwards will require students to write a 1500 word Policy Brief. This assignment will be provide an opportunity for the exercise of analytical skills on an evidence base to create convincing arguments which could influence policy making
Referral for the module is by way of 2500 word essay